A Lifelong Dream, A Backstage Moment, and Why This Contest Exists

Imagine standing backstage at the Chicago Symphony Hall, watching Wynton Marsalis take his time — unhurried, fully present — speaking individually with dozens of young musicians. Offering advice. Offering encouragement. Being, as one witness put it, exactly the person you hoped he would be.

That was Corey's night. And it started with a raffle ticket.

The Prize That Was Worth More Than the Trip

The Jazz Outreach Initiative's Chicago raffle offered something genuinely rare: a $1,000 Southwest flight credit for two, two nights at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park Hotel, two orchestra-level seats to see the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at Chicago Symphony Hall and a backstage escort with JOI Co-founder and Artistic Director Kenny Rampton, himself a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, to meet Wynton Marsalis in person.

On paper, it is an extraordinary prize. In practice, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"Kenny is such an awesome guy — had a great time chatting with him and of course meeting Wynton and getting to thank him for all he's done. Being able to tell him in person how much he's influenced and inspired me over the years was a lifelong dream.

Wynton is such an amazing human being and consummate ambassador of jazz. We watched him take his time to speak individually with several dozen young musicians backstage after the show, offering advice and encouragement. Truly incredible."

— Corey, JOI Raffle Winner

Read that last part again. After performing for a full house at one of the great concert halls in America, Wynton Marsalis went backstage and gave his time to young musicians who needed to hear from him. That's not a celebrity making an appearance. That's a man living his mission.

It is also exactly the mission that JOI brings home to Las Vegas every single day.

Why JOI Ran This Contest

Jazz Outreach Initiative exists to connect the language of music to the language of life through free education in Las Vegas schools, donated instruments and lessons for at-risk youth, and world-class performances that bring the community together.

The Chicago raffle is an extension of that mission in two directions at once.

For the winner, it is access to the highest level of the art form and a chance to sit in orchestra seats, go backstage, and stand in the same room as the man whose philosophy inspired JOI's founding. For JOI, every ticket sold helped fund the programs that give Las Vegas kids their own version of that moment — the first time they hold an instrument, the first time they hear a jazz quintet or a full big band live, the first time they realize that this music was made for them too.

Corey's backstage moment and a student's first free lesson at a Title I school are not separate things. They are the same story, told at different volumes. And for Jazz Outreach Initiative, there are nearly 10,000 of those individual stories here in Las Vegas every year.

Support the Mission

Every dollar raised through JOI events and contests goes directly into the programs that serve Las Vegas students and families free of charge. If Corey's story moved you, consider making a donation or become a corporate sponsor. JOI is Platinum-rated organization among the top 0.69% of nonprofits in the country for transparency and accountability.

Your investment is in the room with Corey. It is also in the classroom, in the instrument case, and on the stage at the next free concert in the park.

About Jazz Outreach Initiative

Jazz Outreach Initiative is a Las Vegas nonprofit connecting the language of music to the language of life through education, outreach, and performances. Founded by Kenny Rampton — trumpeter and member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra — JOI brings world-class jazz and free music education to students, families, and communities across Southern Nevada.

Stay connected — subscribe to the JOI newsletter at jazzoutreachinitiative.org